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When researching firms, Michelmores stood out to me for its proud commitment to social mobility. The firm has been ranked in the Social Mobility Index for the last two years and offers several routes to becoming a solicitor, whether as a School Leaver Apprentice, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, or a “traditional” Trainee Solicitor. We even have a Social Mobility Inclusion Network. This reassured me that I would be training with a firm that values individuals and gives everyone the opportunity to thrive.
These are the lessons I learned applying for Training Contracts as a socially mobile person:
Lesson 1: all work experience is valuable
I started my first job in retail at 16 and stayed for seven years, balancing sixth-form and then my university studies. The phrase ‘vacation scheme’ filled me with fear. It seemed the golden ticket to obtaining a Training Contract, so I was worried that my work commitments would put me at a disadvantage.
When I instead applied for a direct Training Contract at Michelmores, I felt that the Early Careers Team were genuinely interested in my journey, including my non-legal work experience. Michelmores places less emphasis on the specific roles you’ve had, and more on how you reflect on what your experiences have taught you. As a Trainee, you are there to learn, not to be a finished product.
To stand out in your applications, it’s important to highlight your unique experiences. If you’ve worked in retail, a restaurant or any other non-legal role, you are likely to have developed transferable skills such as working under pressure during busy periods, supporting your colleagues within a team, or communicating with customers. These are all valuable skills for a lawyer that you should draw on.
Lesson 2: keep building connections
When you embark on your legal career, it takes time to discover what opportunities are available that can help you. As a starting point, you don’t need to be working at a law firm to network – below are some alternative options which helped me.
Law/Careers Fairs
Look out for law fairs, open days and talks. These will help you find out if the type of work firms do and their culture is a good fit for you. These events can also bring unexpected opportunities – I got my first paralegal role in a London firm by engaging with a recruitment manager at Legal Cheek’s virtual fair!
If you feel nervous approaching people, let your curiosity lead you. If you speak to anyone at a law fair, be sure to follow up on LinkedIn for any questions that come to you later.
Trainees
Connect with Trainees on LinkedIn – they are always eager to help as they were in your shoes not long ago!
Use your conversations to help tailor your application by showing what you know about the firm you are applying to. Mentioning points like charity initiatives or niche work helps to avoid the common pitfall of saying something which also applies to a competitor.
University
Attend student union fairs to identify law societies, as these are likely to hold networking events. For me, one of these events led to work experience at a local firm.
Your university’s career service can also guide you to CV-boosting opportunities. Getting involved in pro bono or mooting can help you stand out in applications.
Also take the time to attend any careers fairs that are running at your university, speaking to firms starts to give you an idea of what you do and don’t like the sound of in a firm and that starts to narrow down your search.
Lesson 3: believe in yourself
My most important lesson is to never give up if you are determined to be a solicitor. The journey is a tough one, and coming from a socially diverse background can bring additional challenges. I struggled with feeling like I did not fit in. I took those moments of doubt as opportunities to reflect on my unique selling points and motivations. This would reinvigorate me with a mindset that I could do it, and that I did deserve it.
Rejections are inevitable as law is so competitive, so see each setback as an opportunity to grow. Seek feedback if you can, and if not, take time to review your applications. Make a note of what went well and improvements for next time. Take it one step at a time – the best way of learning how to write a successful application is by giving it a go.
A common reason for rejection is not tailoring your application to the firm. Look at wider sources such as Chambers Student, Legal Cheek and profiles of the firm’s lawyers for specific work that excites you. Another common reason is not being reflective enough – whenever you make a point, ask yourself “so what?” to ensure that you are reflecting meaningfully on your experiences.
Conclusion
Entering the legal profession from a socially diverse background can feel like uncharted territory, but that’s exactly what makes your journey unique. Keep going, the right firm will value you for who you are and what you bring.